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Almost a year of mysterious symptoms... please help!
I'm about to turn 22, and my problems started right after I turned 21. Started with some spells of fatigue and nausea, then in April I came down with some kind of viral infection... might have been coxsackie because I had a lot of chest/rib inflammation but I never figured out what it was. Recovered and felt pretty good for two weeks, then in the middle of May I started getting the dizzy/fatigued/nauseous spells telling me I was getting sick again, and then I got what I thought was a stomach virus but it never fully went away. For a while I was waking up every morning and vomiting like a pregnant woman, and I could barely eat anything. But I did have good days where I felt pretty good. The symptoms were really off and on. I was also constantly lightheaded/dizzy, and had some weird symptoms like hair loss and slight weakness in the left side of my body. I also had a lot of gas and bloating and would belch all the time. I had heart palpitations and anxiety, and headaches a few times a month. Finally, I started noticing that I had to eat at least every two hours or I would get really lightheaded, and because I was nauseous a lot I had to force myself to eat.
So that's how I felt from May to September with gradual improvement. In October, November, and December I felt better but hit a plateau. The main symptoms that lingered were the off and on lightheadedness, needing to eat frequently, on and off nausea, and gas pains. Then in January I started getting slightly worse... more stomach issues than I'd had in the last couple months, more lightheaded feelings, couldn't go as long without eating, etc. February has been horrible. Fatigue, nausea, feeling like my blood sugar is crashing even though it's normal, headaches, lightheaded, and more.
I have been tested for HIV, hepatitis C, had a CBC with differential, complete chemical profile, lyme disease test, gluten intolerance test, thyroid (was borderline hyperthyroid but had no antibodies), ANA antibodies, and more. Does anyone have any other ideas?
So that's how I felt from May to September with gradual improvement. In October, November, and December I felt better but hit a plateau. The main symptoms that lingered were the off and on lightheadedness, needing to eat frequently, on and off nausea, and gas pains. Then in January I started getting slightly worse... more stomach issues than I'd had in the last couple months, more lightheaded feelings, couldn't go as long without eating, etc. February has been horrible. Fatigue, nausea, feeling like my blood sugar is crashing even though it's normal, headaches, lightheaded, and more.
I have been tested for HIV, hepatitis C, had a CBC with differential, complete chemical profile, lyme disease test, gluten intolerance test, thyroid (was borderline hyperthyroid but had no antibodies), ANA antibodies, and more. Does anyone have any other ideas?
Were you checked for H Pylori? An ulcer can act like that. Or maybe you need a good Prenatal vitamin. Maybe you've become allergic to some foods you could tolerate before. (I became allergic to milk overnight). Since the doctors can't seem to find out what it is, perhaps you might want to see a chiropractor. Most of them also practice holistic medicine and might be able to help you resolve this matter. I hope you get some relief soon.
Thank you. I was tested for H Pylori back in July and it was negative. I've thought about food intolerances too.. is there any way that could cause the need to eat more often?
My friend's mom is a chiropractor... I've been thinking about seeing her for acupuncture.
My friend's mom is a chiropractor... I've been thinking about seeing her for acupuncture.
Yes, many times when our stomach hurts, our brain thinks we are hungry. It is our natural inclination to eat to stop the pain. Acupuncture is a great idea. Acupuncture took away almost all my allergies (except lactose intolerance). She could probably help you with holistic medicine as well. Please let us know how your fare. Hoping and praying that you have a good outcome.
I don't exactly feel hungry, I just get lightheaded like I need to eat. That usually happens BEFORE I feel hungry. I came across something called Idiopathic postprandial syndrome which is symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia without actual low blood sugar levels, and I think it might be what I have. It goes along with adrenal issues, which I also might have.
Oh wow! Good research. I hope you find out what it really is and that you are able to treat it. Are you still going to the chiropractor?
I'm not sure if I'll go to her or not, depends on whether or not my insurance covers it. I would love to try acupuncture, even if it only makes me feel better for a little while that would be amazing.
I would recommend you have your thyroid further investigated. Ask for a referral to an Endocrinologist.
Blood sugars ok?
Any imaging of your abdomen done?
Blood sugars ok?
Any imaging of your abdomen done?
Thanks. I wanted a referral for an endo but I don't think my doctor will do it. The last time I went she said I was fine and she couldn't do anything for me. I will try and ask about it again.
Celiac has been ruled out, I had the blood tests, but I have tried gluten-free for a while and felt slightly better. I think I'm going to do it again.
I had an abdominal ultrasound and it was all normal.
Celiac has been ruled out, I had the blood tests, but I have tried gluten-free for a while and felt slightly better. I think I'm going to do it again.
I had an abdominal ultrasound and it was all normal.
You do seem to be in the wars. Sorry to hear you have been feeling so ill when you should be enjoying life to the full at your age.
You have been through a lot of tests and all sorts of problems have been ruled out.
I am not diabetic, but am glucose intolerant. When the urge for hunger comes on I feel like vomitting with headache. Have you been tested for diabetes or glucose intolerance? There is a diabetic blood test that takes an average reading over a three month period. Can't remember what it is called, but you would be able to find it out on the web.
Other problems with lightheadedness and nausea can stem from the ears.
The inner ear which controls our balance. Other infections in the body too will make you feel unwell and lightheaded, throat infections and sinus infections as well as water infections.
If you blood pressure is too low or too high that to can cause lightheadedness.
If you have neck problems, you can also suffer from lightheadness - this is called postural hypertension. You'll usually experience this when you get up quickly from a sitting or lying position.
As you have had an infection that too can upset your tummy.
When you had the Halibactor Pylori test, was this done by blood test, faeces or breath? My daughter has suffered from HPylori and we looked into it at the time and found that blood tests do not give an accurate reading. Blood tests may show up negative even when the bacteria is still present. She had the stool test and the breath test done.
Are you drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can make you feel lightheaded too.
Avoid all junk food, alcohol and fizzy drinks and fried foods to settle the stomach. If you find you get a worse reaction from any food or drink you consume keep a note of it and avoid anything that makes you feel worse.
Don't know about the hair loss and the weakness on the side of your body. Hair loss may be due to the anxiety you have been experiencing
What did the doctor say it was?
Take care
All the best
You have been through a lot of tests and all sorts of problems have been ruled out.
I am not diabetic, but am glucose intolerant. When the urge for hunger comes on I feel like vomitting with headache. Have you been tested for diabetes or glucose intolerance? There is a diabetic blood test that takes an average reading over a three month period. Can't remember what it is called, but you would be able to find it out on the web.
Other problems with lightheadedness and nausea can stem from the ears.
The inner ear which controls our balance. Other infections in the body too will make you feel unwell and lightheaded, throat infections and sinus infections as well as water infections.
If you blood pressure is too low or too high that to can cause lightheadedness.
If you have neck problems, you can also suffer from lightheadness - this is called postural hypertension. You'll usually experience this when you get up quickly from a sitting or lying position.
As you have had an infection that too can upset your tummy.
When you had the Halibactor Pylori test, was this done by blood test, faeces or breath? My daughter has suffered from HPylori and we looked into it at the time and found that blood tests do not give an accurate reading. Blood tests may show up negative even when the bacteria is still present. She had the stool test and the breath test done.
Are you drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can make you feel lightheaded too.
Avoid all junk food, alcohol and fizzy drinks and fried foods to settle the stomach. If you find you get a worse reaction from any food or drink you consume keep a note of it and avoid anything that makes you feel worse.
Don't know about the hair loss and the weakness on the side of your body. Hair loss may be due to the anxiety you have been experiencing
What did the doctor say it was?
Take care
All the best
I haven't been tested for diabetes or glucose intolerance, I've just had blood sugar checked. It's always normal. I mentioned the A1C test to the doctor and he said they might do it next time.
My blood pressure is always perfect, it's been a little higher lately (was staying around 110-116/70, then a couple weeks ago it was 130/70 and last week it was 118/82) but still nothing abnormal. I don't think it would be any inner ear or neck problems because I don't have any other symptoms of those things and it's a different kind of lightheadedness. It's more of a vague feeling that seems to be more related to eating than anything else... I'll get it if I haven't eaten and sometimes I'll be lightheaded after I eat.
My blood pressure is always perfect, it's been a little higher lately (was staying around 110-116/70, then a couple weeks ago it was 130/70 and last week it was 118/82) but still nothing abnormal. I don't think it would be any inner ear or neck problems because I don't have any other symptoms of those things and it's a different kind of lightheadedness. It's more of a vague feeling that seems to be more related to eating than anything else... I'll get it if I haven't eaten and sometimes I'll be lightheaded after I eat.
Your blood pressure does seem fine. It will go up if you take your reading soon after exercise as well as a hot drink. Also don't talk whilst taking taking your blood pressure. The Systolic is great. The Diastolic is creeping up a little though.
The A1C test is better because it will give the doctor your percentage blood sugar reading over a 3 month period. And the glucose test will show if you have an intolerance to sugar. Mine showed that I am interolerant to sugar. I thought I might have been because after the glucose drink I could not quench my thirst - I'm not diabetic yet, but if I don't watch my diet and take exercise, I am highly likely to become diabetic within 10 years (so the doc told me).
If you feel it is related to eating and especially when you have not eaten, then this is definitely hypoglycemia - you don't have to be diabetic to suffer from this. I have never heard of Idiopathic postprandial syndrome that you came across, which I find interesting so will learn more about it, thanks for sharing that information.
The important thing then is to eat little and often. Don't eat highly refined foods like cakes, chocolates, white bread etc. (these are OK as long as you combine them with foods that are slow release). These will give you a sugar rush and then it will drop dramatically. Eat fresh fruit and veg and wholemeal bread, foods not refined, fish and white meats (not fried), nuts and pulses. If you like porridge try that. The type of foods you need to eat are those that release the energy slowly. Don't wait until you get so desparately hungry. You could look at the Diabetic website for more information with regard diet.
Don't forget to drink at least 2 litres of water each day.
Hope you get sorted out real soon.
Love to know how you get on.
Best wishes
The A1C test is better because it will give the doctor your percentage blood sugar reading over a 3 month period. And the glucose test will show if you have an intolerance to sugar. Mine showed that I am interolerant to sugar. I thought I might have been because after the glucose drink I could not quench my thirst - I'm not diabetic yet, but if I don't watch my diet and take exercise, I am highly likely to become diabetic within 10 years (so the doc told me).
If you feel it is related to eating and especially when you have not eaten, then this is definitely hypoglycemia - you don't have to be diabetic to suffer from this. I have never heard of Idiopathic postprandial syndrome that you came across, which I find interesting so will learn more about it, thanks for sharing that information.
The important thing then is to eat little and often. Don't eat highly refined foods like cakes, chocolates, white bread etc. (these are OK as long as you combine them with foods that are slow release). These will give you a sugar rush and then it will drop dramatically. Eat fresh fruit and veg and wholemeal bread, foods not refined, fish and white meats (not fried), nuts and pulses. If you like porridge try that. The type of foods you need to eat are those that release the energy slowly. Don't wait until you get so desparately hungry. You could look at the Diabetic website for more information with regard diet.
Don't forget to drink at least 2 litres of water each day.
Hope you get sorted out real soon.
Love to know how you get on.
Best wishes
Thanks. :) Water definitely isn't an issue, I probably drink three liters or more a day. I was feeling better today but the digestive issues are worse, and now I have a headache. I just hope tomorrow is better since I have class.
Yes, I hope you do feel better tomorrow. Get an early night and a good night's sleep.
When you have time to write, let me know what the digestive issues are.
Are you worrying about anything? That can cause stomach problems. When I was 17 the doctor thought I can a gastric ulcer and I was told to eat very bland food - it was stress.
Are you taking any medications that can be upsetsetting your digestion.
Best wishes
When you have time to write, let me know what the digestive issues are.
Are you worrying about anything? That can cause stomach problems. When I was 17 the doctor thought I can a gastric ulcer and I was told to eat very bland food - it was stress.
Are you taking any medications that can be upsetsetting your digestion.
Best wishes
The digestive issues are kind of like IBS. I'm not having diarrhea or anything but I've been having nausea and a tight/crampy feeling in my stomach and back. I also have a headache and I'm not sure if it's related or not.
@Londres70, I tested negative for thyroid antibodies and now my levels are in the normal range. In December my levels were borderline hyper (TSH 0.34 with a range of 0.45-4.5 and free T4 1.44 with a range of 0.8-1.8). Now they are more normal (TSH 0.71, free T4 1.14). Do you think that still seems off?
@Londres70, I tested negative for thyroid antibodies and now my levels are in the normal range. In December my levels were borderline hyper (TSH 0.34 with a range of 0.45-4.5 and free T4 1.44 with a range of 0.8-1.8). Now they are more normal (TSH 0.71, free T4 1.14). Do you think that still seems off?
I started feeling better for a couple days but now I am feeling worse. Yesterday I was at the grocery store and my legs started getting weak and I felt lightheaded. I went home, ate, felt a little better, then late last night I was feeling bloated, short of breath, and lightheaded again. I went to sleep and this morning/afternoon it was so hard for me to get out of bed, I felt exhausted. And all day I've been feeling weak. This is getting really scary.
Because you feel that your symptoms are related to your eating I would suggest the following:
Keep a diary of all the foods and drinks you consume and the times that you consume them. If a meal is a mix of different veg and spices, write down all of the ingredients that are in the meal. Avoid all fizzy drinks and stimulants like coffee.
Write down your symptoms and the times that you get the symptoms.
Do this for a couple of weeks.
The reason for this is to find out exactly what you are eacting that may be contributing to your digestive problem.
If you feel ill or bloated after eating a slice of bread, for example, write that down and then keep a list of the foods and drinks that you need to avoid .
The feelings of shortness of breath and lightheadedness may be an allergic reaction to something, or an indication that you are anaemic. With anaemia you can get shortness of breath because the haemoglobin is low in iron. The red corpusles are the ones that transport oxygen around our body. If you are low in iron, you will be low in red corpusles and will also feel tired and exhausted. Another possiblity of feeling weak and the other symptoms you mention could be due to a viral or bacterial infection.
When you go out from home, make sure you take some food with you. A sandwich, piece of fruit (apples are great) and the like so that your sugar levels do not drop too low.
Best wishes
Keep a diary of all the foods and drinks you consume and the times that you consume them. If a meal is a mix of different veg and spices, write down all of the ingredients that are in the meal. Avoid all fizzy drinks and stimulants like coffee.
Write down your symptoms and the times that you get the symptoms.
Do this for a couple of weeks.
The reason for this is to find out exactly what you are eacting that may be contributing to your digestive problem.
If you feel ill or bloated after eating a slice of bread, for example, write that down and then keep a list of the foods and drinks that you need to avoid .
The feelings of shortness of breath and lightheadedness may be an allergic reaction to something, or an indication that you are anaemic. With anaemia you can get shortness of breath because the haemoglobin is low in iron. The red corpusles are the ones that transport oxygen around our body. If you are low in iron, you will be low in red corpusles and will also feel tired and exhausted. Another possiblity of feeling weak and the other symptoms you mention could be due to a viral or bacterial infection.
When you go out from home, make sure you take some food with you. A sandwich, piece of fruit (apples are great) and the like so that your sugar levels do not drop too low.
Best wishes
Thanks. I haven't eaten anything really different lately but maybe you're right.
You mention a bacterial infection... I do have a very small infection on one of my fingertips. It's not bad but it's not getting better either. Could this be making me feel tired and weak?
You mention a bacterial infection... I do have a very small infection on one of my fingertips. It's not bad but it's not getting better either. Could this be making me feel tired and weak?
Because your symptoms seem to be related to food (or lack of it) I don't think your symptoms are related to the infection on your finger, unless you have been scratched or bitten by an animal or insect or through being scratched by some shrubbery.
How long have you had this infection on your fingertip? Have you treated it and is it healing? Any cut or puncture to the skin is a potential source for bateria to enter and this can then cause an infection in the lower skin level (cellulitis) and poison to spread to other parts of the body. Cellulitis is extremely painful and if not treated can be fatal if not treated adequately.
I would suggest you get this fingertip infection seen by a doctor in the event you may need a course of antibiotics if it has shown no signs of improving since you first noticed it. Do not neglect small infections.
You could be feeling weak and tired becaue if you are not eating right, you may be anaemic. A blood test to check for anaemia would give you the answer. But it sounds like you would benefit from a multi vitamin and iron tablets. It takes about 3 months for the haemoglobin to reach the right levels of iron should you be anaemic.
Best wishes
How long have you had this infection on your fingertip? Have you treated it and is it healing? Any cut or puncture to the skin is a potential source for bateria to enter and this can then cause an infection in the lower skin level (cellulitis) and poison to spread to other parts of the body. Cellulitis is extremely painful and if not treated can be fatal if not treated adequately.
I would suggest you get this fingertip infection seen by a doctor in the event you may need a course of antibiotics if it has shown no signs of improving since you first noticed it. Do not neglect small infections.
You could be feeling weak and tired becaue if you are not eating right, you may be anaemic. A blood test to check for anaemia would give you the answer. But it sounds like you would benefit from a multi vitamin and iron tablets. It takes about 3 months for the haemoglobin to reach the right levels of iron should you be anaemic.
Best wishes
My finger has been like this for about two weeks.
I don't think I'm anemic, I've had my iron levels checked. I have been taking multivitamins for a while.
I don't think I'm anemic, I've had my iron levels checked. I have been taking multivitamins for a while.
In that case as your finger has been like that for two weeks with no signs of healing, I would suggest you see the doc.
Multivitiminis are fine. You may have had your iron levels checked, but did the result come back normal? Multivitimins with iron would probably be better because having monthly menstrual cycles can deplete your levels of iron.
I will check the board for any reply tomorrow. I am going to go to bed as it is 1240 am in the UK.
Bye for now and take care.
Multivitiminis are fine. You may have had your iron levels checked, but did the result come back normal? Multivitimins with iron would probably be better because having monthly menstrual cycles can deplete your levels of iron.
I will check the board for any reply tomorrow. I am going to go to bed as it is 1240 am in the UK.
Bye for now and take care.
I ended up going to a clinic tonight for my finger just in case that's what's making me feel tired and weak. They said it is infected and gave me two different antibiotics.
Yes, the results for iron were normal. I probably should take some iron supplements because I have really heavy periods.
Yes, the results for iron were normal. I probably should take some iron supplements because I have really heavy periods.
Great news to hear that you have been to the clinic and have been given antibiotics for the infection for your finger. Hopefully it will get it sorted out soon and you will start to feel better. I'm glad that at least something is being sorted out for you.
Heavy periods can deplete your iron levels. Don't forget to keep a diary of what you eat and drink and when to see if there is anything in your diet (or lack of it) that is causing you the other problems you mention.
All the best
Keep in touch as I will be interest to know how you get on.
Heavy periods can deplete your iron levels. Don't forget to keep a diary of what you eat and drink and when to see if there is anything in your diet (or lack of it) that is causing you the other problems you mention.
All the best
Keep in touch as I will be interest to know how you get on.
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